By SHERYL NANCE-NASH
Back in the day everybody wanted to be the coolest cat on a pair of roller skates. You remember how those that could showed off moves that others could only aspire to when that classic ode to roller skating, “Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll,” by Vaughan Mason & Crew, or favorites like “Thriller,” “Push It” by Salt-N-Pepa, “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry, or KC and the Sunshine Band’s “Get Down Tonight” were played.
Everything old is new again. There’s a resurgence of roller skating and outdoor rinks are the rage. In fact, this summer during the pandemic people turned to skating for outdoor fun in such numbers that there was a worldwide shortage of roller skates. Retailers sold out.
Across the country there are hotspots to showcase your superiority on skates. Here are a few to check out if you’re ready to roll with the best of them.
Pier 2 Roller Rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn, New York
You know how they do in Brooklyn. It’s about style and swag. Whether you go with your crew or with your family, you can satisfy that skate itch here. Brooklyn Bridge Park’s waterfront location sets the scene for a memorable day, whether you also want to picnic, bike, kayak, shoot hoops, or eat and drink at one of the many restaurants after skating. Brooklyn is also home to the LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park where there’s a 16,000 square foot rink that overlooks Prospect Park Lake.
Sky Rink at Scissortail Park, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Scissortail Park is a new 40-acre downtown park. The Sky Rink is 5,000 square feet of skating surface. The fun doesn’t stop there. Scissortail has restaurants, picnic areas, flower gardens, a lake with a boathouse and pedal boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboard rentals and more.
Venice Beach, Los Angeles, California
There is no place like Venice Beach. Be ready to see any and everything and that includes roller skaters.
You’ll find most of the skaters profiling their way down the Venice Oceanfront Walk. Venice Beach is bohemia at its best. When you’re all skated out, there are boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants, or just chill and people watch.
Ohio River Trail, Cincinnati, Ohio
Lace up your skates and get ready to hit the 4.6-mile Ohio River Trail. Coast your way through Theodore Berry International Friendship Park, Sawyer Point, Yeatman’s Cove and Smale Riverfont Park along the Ohio River. Take in the scenic flower gardens and fountains.
Anacostia Park, Washington, D.C.
Next summer you’ll want to make your way to the skating pavilion at Anacostia Park. Skate rentals are free. This is the only roller skating rink in the National Park Service.
Peachtree City Pathway, Peachtree City, Georgia
Peachtree City is about half an hour southwest of Atlanta. There is 100+miles of paved multi-use pathway system that is open to roller skaters. Take in views of Lake Peachtree and Lake McIntosh, and coast through the Flat Creek Nature area, around Drake Field, and Luther Glass Park and Shakerag Hill.
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